Why we’re here
The UK has one of the most unequal societies in the world, in which your background can severely restrict your future. National studies have repeatedly shown that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to achieve academically, less likely to be involved in extracurricular activities which help develop life skills, and more likely to develop mental health problems.
This needs to change.
Our Aspirations Programme enables schools and colleges to offer their students the best possible personal development programmes, programmes that are designed and informed by data collected from the students themselves. It means more students receive a holistic education and are better prepared for future life.
30%
Less participation in extra-curriculars from low-income family children
(Sutton Trust)
Meet our team
Matthew Lees
Founder / Director
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Becky Harding
Aspirations Programme Lead
Jess Deeming
Director of Programmes
Anna Bockmuehl
Head of Impact
Julien Basch
CTO
Liz Welbeck
Community Lead
Lucy Moore
Content and Engagement
Our partners
Co-developed by teachers and school leaders, in partnership with...
And in case you were wondering...
We aren't from the East of England or bringing an Asian approach to education to the UK. We are simply literature fans who were inspired by this quote about the importance of careful planning when first getting started. If you enjoy well-written fiction and haven't read East of Eden, we highly recommend it!
“In human affairs of danger and delicacy successful conclusion is sharply limited by hurry. So often men trip by being in a rush. If one were properly to perform a difficult and subtle act, he should first inspect the end to be achieved and then, once he had accepted the end as desirable, he should forget it completely and concentrate solely on the means. By this method he would not be moved to false action by anxiety or hurry or fear. Very few people learn this.”
John Steinbeck, East of Eden